Summer is on the way, which means temperatures are rising and getting hotter every day! While we humans are lucky enough to be able to wear less layers and enjoy trips to the beach or lake, our pups need to find other ways to stay cool – and it’s up to us to help!
Since our canines can’t tell us when they’re feeling overheated, check out these 10 ways to help our canines stay cool this season.
1. Exercise accordingly
While daily walks are a healthy habit that’s good for almost any pooch, it may be best to skip it if the sun is blistering. If you have a pooch that will go crazy without her daily jaunt, try to take a short stroll in the early morning or evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. You can also enjoy a game of tug in the air-conditioned indoors to try to tucker her out.
2. Take care of their coats
Grooming is an essential part of your dog’s health, and in the summer, it can help keep him cool. Brushing out extra fluff is a huge favor to them, and dogs with hair that need regular cuts – like Poodles – may benefit from having shorter ‘dos in the hotter months.
With that said, dogs with fur should not be shaved down, including breeds with long, thick coats (as well as shorter ones). Believe it or not, their fur is actually designed to keep heat out, and also protects them from sunburns. If you’re unsure whether or not to give your pup a summer haircut, consult with your vet.
3. Let them splash
Don’t have a pool? No problem! (And, lucky you if you do!) If your pup loves water, consider putting a kiddie pool in the backyard – in a shady place is ideal. You can also let Fido run through the sprinkler, if he likes. If you don’t have a yard, consider letting your canine wade in your bathtub!
4. Offer a breeze
If you have central air, your pooch should stay nice and cool inside your home. If not, Fido may appreciate a nice fan near a comfortable lounging spot so he can bask in the cool breeze.
5. Get creative with your freezer
Try wrapping an ice pack in a blanket (especially if your pup has a favorite) and letting her snuggle it while she snoozes. Or, you can put some of your dog’s plushies in the icebox. Another option is to stuff a treat toy with peanut butter or coconut oil and let it freeze for a cool snack that will last awhile!
6. Give your pup cool places to “chill”
Make sure your dog has access to cool places where he can sprawl out. He may love tile floors, the cement basement floor, or lying in the bathtub. You can also get a special cooling mat in order to keep him comfortable despite the high temperatures.
7. Keep them hydrated!
Make sure your dog’s water bowl stays cool and fresh so she keeps lapping up that water! You can safely add cubes to the dish, despite a rumor that circulated a few years ago (it has been debunked). What pup parents should know, though, is that dogs suffering from heatstroke should be cooled down with tepid water (not freezing cold) to prevent shock. To learn more about heatstroke in dogs, click here.
If your dog loves drinking from a fountain, faucet, or spigot outside, let her – as long as she keeps sipping that H2O!
8. Leave your dog at home
Running errands on a hot day? Leave your dog at home. You may think he loves tagging along, but if you’re going to leave him in the vehicle even “just for a minute,” it is extremely uncomfortable, and most of all, dangerous. Think about it: if you can’t stand being in the car without air conditioning, neither can your pup. Keep him at home, where he’ll stay comfortable and safe.
9. Prepare if you do go on a car ride
If you’re planning on going places where your canine can accompany you – say, to the pet store, a dog-friendly watering hole, or the vet – make sure to start the car and get the AC running for a few minutes before you hop in! Also, bring some water in an insulated bottle, along with a bowl, so your pup can take a drink if he’s feeling thirsty.
10. Pay attention to your pup
As mentioned in the intro, our dogs can’t tell us when they’re getting too hot, so it’s up to us to look for the signs. If you choose to go outside for a stroll or game of fetch, stay close to home and don’t overwork your dog. Very playful pups may not even realize that they’re overheating until it’s too late. Keep an especially close eye on brachycephalic or short-nosed dogs like Boxers, Pugs, and Bulldogs, which are extremely susceptible to heat stroke. You know your pooch best, and it’s up to you to make sure they stay safe!
Toledo, United States.
